Amsterdam 2008
Since my last post here, the weather has turned warm and finally spring is here! Like the Chinese proverbs says 一年之计在于春 (translated: A year's plan starts with spring), I have a new plan for this blog. As advised by my brother, I am going to not only post the photos from my trips, but also some useful information such as transportation that I took, where did I overnight, what did I eat, what did I do, what are there to see, how much I have paid for all that. etc. Hopefully the information will be useful for fellow travellers.
Let us start with my Amsterdam trip from 16 to 18 May 2008. (OK Wendy, I know that was last year :p but better late than never right?)
Windmill De Kat
-Get in-
Departed from Friedrichshafen, Germany to Ulm. And from there took a night train (City Night Line) to Amsterdam Centraal. One way ticket in couchette compartment cost 89 Euro. Journey time from Ulm to Amsterdam: 8:49 hour. Check bahn.de for the actual price.
The journey was comfortable enough. The 6 couchette compartment was a bit cramped, so try to board early to make sure you find a place for your backpack. The couchette was ok though, good enough for me to have some good hours of sleep.
-Get around-
Trams, walk and trains. Standard european city fare.
-Sleep-
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
There are 3 Stayokay Hostels in Amsterdam (Stayokay is affiliated with Hostelling International). I believe Vondelpark is the best one. Right in the middle of the huge Vondelpark, it is also near to tram station and restaurants. Rooms are spacious and clean. Breakfast and bed linen included. 24 Euro per night for dormitory.
-Eat-
Pannekoek, dutch pancake
Spare ribs
Magic mushrooms. The sale of these have been banned since 1 December 2008. By the way, they tasted horrible. The psychoactive effect was strong though.
-See + Do-
Visit Windmills of the Zaans Shans River! 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station to theKoog-Zaandijk railway station (direction Alkmaar). It is 5-minute walk from the station to the ferry. Pedestrians will be able to reach the Zaanse Schans by a small ferry operating in the area at 10-minute intervals throughout the day. It is 5-minute walk to the Zaanse Schans and 10-minutes to the Zaans Museum. More information here: http://www.zaanseschans.nl/
plain Dutch clogs
Dutch clogs in shops
more Dutch clogs
Dutch cheese
Canal cruise
Canals of Amsterdam
At Dam Square with Royal Palace as background.
Feel the sun! Starting our unsuccessful journey to the city center.
Enjoying the intense sunshine.
See the twin towers at the background? That was supposed to be our destination!
Accepting the fact that the city center is unreachable by walking, we decided to make a turn and headed to the seaside instead.
More hotels?
Remember the yellow/black bicycle...
With an unknown motive, the man on the yellow/black bicycle suddenly rode his bike into the water. Trying to entertain us?
or to cross the sea to the opposite coast? It remains a mystery until today!
Messi changes here!
Another round of beach football before leaving Barcelona.
